Llama 3.1 405B vs o4-mini
Llama 3.1 405B vs o4-mini: o4-mini is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($1.10/M vs $3.50/M input tokens), while o4-mini is better for long-context tasks (2,000,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose o4-mini for lower token spend and choose o4-mini when your workload needs longer context.
Compare input and output token pricing, context windows, and monthly cost estimates on one page so you can pick the cheaper model fast.
Cost Comparison (1000 input + 500 output tokens, 100 requests/day)
Llama 3.1 405B
o4-mini
Cost Differences
o4-mini costs less than Llama 3.1 405B
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: o4-mini. At the default workload, o4-mini saves about $5.85/month ($71.175/year) versus Llama 3.1 405B.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Llama 3.1 405B | o4-mini |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Meta (via Together AI) | OpenAI |
| Input Price | $3.50/1M tokens | $1.10/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $3.50/1M tokens | $4.40/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 128,000 tokens | 2,000,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 32,768 tokens | 131,072 tokens |
| Category | flagship | reasoning |
| Capabilities | textcodereasoning | textreasoningcode |
| Release Date | 7/23/2024 | 4/16/2025 |
Llama 3.1 405B vs o4-mini: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Llama 3.1 405B and o4-mini depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. o4-mini is the more affordable option at $1.10/1M input tokens — 69% cheaper than Llama 3.1 405B. Meanwhile, o4-mini offers a significantly larger context window at 2,000,000 tokens vs 128,000 for Llama 3.1 405B.
These models come from different providers — Meta (via Together AI) and OpenAI — which means different API ecosystems, SDKs, rate limits, and terms of service. If you're already integrated with Meta (via Together AI), switching to OpenAIinvolves migration effort beyond just pricing. Factor in your existing infrastructure when deciding.
These models target different tiers: Llama 3.1 405B is a flagship model while o4-mini is reasoning. This means they're optimized for different workloads. Llama 3.1 405B is built for complex tasks that require deeper reasoning, while o4-mini offers better value for routine operations.
Output costs matter too. Llama 3.1 405B charges $3.50/1M output tokens vs $4.40 for o4-mini. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. o4-mini has the edge here at $4.40/1M output tokens.
Best Use Cases
Choose Llama 3.1 405B when:
- • You're already using Meta (via Together AI)'s API ecosystem
Choose o4-mini when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You need a larger context window (2,000,000 tokens)
- • You need longer outputs (up to 131,072 tokens)
- • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
Llama 3.1 405B
- • Input pricing: $3.50/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $3.50/M tokens
- • Context window: 128,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than o4-mini
- • Smaller context window than o4-mini
o4-mini
- • Input pricing: $1.10/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $4.40/M tokens
- • Context window: 2,000,000 tokens
- • Max output: 131,072 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher output cost than Llama 3.1 405B
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Llama 3.1 405B (Meta (via Together AI))
o4-mini (OpenAI)
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Sign Up for OpenAI →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Llama 3.1 405B or o4-mini?▼
What is the context window difference between Llama 3.1 405B and o4-mini?▼
Which model is better for AI Agent / Agentic Workflows?▼
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?▼
Where can I compare Meta (via Together AI) and OpenAI API pricing beyond this model matchup?▼
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